Guide
Do you need walking boots for Snowdon?
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In short
For most people, waterproof walking boots or sturdy walking shoes with a good grippy sole are the right footwear for Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in summer. Boots are the safer choice on the rockier Pyg Track and Miners' Track, in wet weather and for less experienced walkers. In winter conditions, the mountain needs stiffer boots, crampons, an ice axe and the skills to use them.
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Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, is the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m and one of the busiest in Britain. Every year people set off up it in everything from mountain boots to trainers. The paths are well made in places, but they are long, rocky and often wet, and the weather on the summit can be very different from the car park. This explainer looks at footwear for the main routes, summer and winter, and when boots make the difference.
The main routes and their ground
Several well-known paths lead to the summit. They differ in length, steepness and how rocky they are, which affects what you want on your feet. The Eryri National Park Authority publishes route information and advice.
| Route | Ground | Footwear in summer |
|---|---|---|
| Llanberis Path | Longest, more gradual, wide stony track | Walking shoes or boots |
| Pyg Track | Rocky, uneven, steep pitched sections | Boots recommended |
| Miners' Track | Easy start by lakes, then steep rocky climb | Boots recommended |
| Rhyd Ddu and Snowdon Ranger | Quieter, mixed ground, some steep sections | Boots or sturdy shoes |
| Watkin Path | Long, with loose scree near the top | Boots recommended |
| Crib Goch | Exposed grade 1 scramble on a knife-edge ridge | Scrambling experience needed; boots or approach shoes |
Walking shoes or boots?
On a dry summer day, experienced walkers often climb Snowdon in sturdy walking shoes, particularly on the Llanberis Path. Good grip, a protective toe and a firm enough sole are the essentials. Trainers with smooth or worn soles are a poor choice on wet rock and loose stones.
Boots make more sense if the forecast is wet, if you are on the rockier routes, if you are less sure-footed on uneven ground or if you are carrying a heavier pack. A waterproof mid boot keeps feet dry through wet grass and puddles and gives more protection on rocky steps.
Our guides to the best walking boots for UK hills and walking shoes for hill paths compare suitable models.
Crib Goch
Crib Goch is a narrow, exposed ridge and a grade 1 scramble. It requires hands as well as feet, and a slip in the wrong place can have serious consequences. It is not a walking route for beginners.
Footwear for Crib Goch needs excellent grip on rock and a precise fit. Many scramblers use walking boots with a stiff sole or approach shoes; see what are approach shoes. Footwear is only one part of being ready: experience, a good weather window and knowing when to turn back matter far more.
Note:Crib Goch and similar scrambles are dangerous in wind, wet or poor visibility. If you are new to scrambling, go with an experienced companion or a qualified instructor, and check the mountain forecast before you set off.
Snowdon in winter
In winter, snow and ice can cover the upper mountain for long periods, and some paths become serious. Parts of the Pyg Track and the zig-zags above it, the Llanberis Path near the railway and the summit area can become icy and dangerous. Each year, mountain rescue teams in Eryri attend incidents involving walkers caught out in winter conditions.
Winter ascents need boots stiff enough for crampons, crampons and an ice axe, warm clothing and the skills to use them. Read walking boot ratings explained and learn on a recognised winter skills course before attempting winter routes.
Other kit that matters as much as footwear
Check the mountain forecast before you go; the Met Office and the Mountain Weather Information Service both publish forecasts for Snowdonia. Our guide to how to choose walking boots helps if you are buying boots for your first big mountain.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers, even on a sunny morning.
- Warm layers, hat and gloves for the summit.
- A map and compass and the skill to use them, plus a charged phone.
- Food, water and a head torch.
- Walking poles can help on long descents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need walking boots for Snowdon? Not always in dry summer weather on the easier paths, but boots are the safer, more comfortable choice in wet weather and on rocky routes.
Can I climb Snowdon in trainers? Many people try. Smooth-soled trainers are slippery on wet rock; footwear with a lugged sole is much better.
What boots for Crib Goch? Footwear with excellent rock grip and a precise fit, such as stiff-soled boots or approach shoes, plus scrambling experience.
Is Snowdon dangerous in winter? It can be. Snow and ice make parts of the mountain serious; you need winter kit and skills.
What you need
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Lowa Renegade GTX Mid: leather upper, Gore-Tex
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Scarpa Cyrus 2 GTX: nubuck, Scarpa Presa sole
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La Sportiva TX4 Evo GTX: suede, for rock and wet slabs